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Carmella, the former WWE women’s champion now known as Leah Van Dale, has posted her first bruised photos after eye surgery, offering a frank glimpse into life beyond the ring. The update arrives amid her recovery from postpartum complications and a high-profile split from WWE, and it has fans watching both her healing and future plans.
Carmella’s blepharoplasty update: what she posted on Instagram
She revealed she had both upper and lower blepharoplasty. About 72 hours after the operation, Carmella used Instagram Stories to show the bruising and a progress report.
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Carmella posts first photo since eye surgery: graphic warning
- Visible bruising: Dark marks around the eyes that have begun to fade.
- Yellowing of bruises: A sign she noted as evidence the healing process has started.
- Reduced swelling: She said facial puffiness was lower than immediately after surgery.
Her posts included candid photos that some viewers may find graphic. She framed the images as a straightforward recovery update. Fans and media outlets shared the images across social platforms.
Health background: childbirth injury and the challenge of drop foot
After leaving WWE in 2023, Carmella focused on family life. In November 2023 she suffered nerve damage during childbirth that led to drop foot.
Drop foot limits how the foot lifts and affects mobility. Carmella has spoken openly about the condition and how it has impacted her day-to-day life.
- Mother of two balancing recovery and parenting.
- Rehabilitation and medical care ongoing.
- Hints at a possible return to wrestling remain unconfirmed.
Career crossroads: the end of a 12-year run with WWE
In early 2025 Carmella appeared on the KILLR podcast to talk about her WWE exit. She described feeling sidelined after a long tenure with the company.
She questioned whether being a woman or becoming a mother had influenced WWE’s decisions. Carmella said she felt overlooked as her contract approached its end.
Details she shared about the contract and communication
- She said she was informed her contract would expire in about 10 days.
- She described a lack of follow-up and limited communication from the company.
- She contrasted her situation with that of her husband, WWE commentator Corey Graves, who remains with the company.
What this means for Carmella’s future in wrestling
The former champion has teased a ring return but has not booked matches since 2023. Her recovery from surgery and ongoing treatment for drop foot are key factors.
Fans, promoters, and sports media will be watching her rehab timeline closely. Any comeback would hinge on medical clearance and family priorities.
